Download - KANEKO Annual Report 2015
KANEKO
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
KANEKO
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
KANEKO
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
Human beings thrive on the energy that is released when the collective creative process arrives upon uniqueness in discovery and takes its shape in the way that we consider and relate to ourselves, to each other and to our world. It’s an exciting journey to be a part of and our lives are fuller by the sheer experience of it all.
We are fortunate here in Omaha to have a catalyst and a forum where that collective creative process thrives and invites all of us to join, that catalyst and forum is KANEKO. Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” Here at KANEKO, we are all about immersing one another in the process of creativity.
Without your generous support, KANEKO doesn’t exist. We had a good year and outcomes are being achieved. Over 33,000 people enjoyed the creative experience of our exhibitions and over 13,000 lives were enriched through ongoing KANEKO programming this year. Creativity does change lives and you are very much a part of that.
We warmly invite you to continue to be a part of KANEKO. If you aren’t a member at KANEKO, please consider becoming one, in doing so, you will not only fill your senses with performance, partake in the richness of art, and immerse yourself in the creative experience, but through your membership you will also allow others to do so. Make it a point to visit us often and get involved, you truly will find it simply contagious.
Chris Hochstetler, Executive Director
L E T T E R F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R
Photo by Ben Semisch 5
Bruce Carpenter
Henry Davis
Robert Duncan (Co-Chair)
Deryl F. Hamann
Frank Hayes (Treasurer)
Larry Jobeun (Secretary)
Ree and Jun Kaneko
Vicki Krecek
Karen Linder
Marilyn and Carl Mammel
Royce Maynard
John P. Nelson (Vice Chairman)
Zach Rawling
Polina Schlott, MPA
Robert Schlott (Co-Chair)
Steve Seline
Therman Statom
KANEKO
BOARD
OF
DIRECTORS
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AIM
American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Omaha Chapter
American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Nebraska Chapter
American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) – Omaha Chapter
burntdistrict journal
Fat Brain Toys
HDR Architects
Min | Day Architects
Montessori Co-op School
Nebraska Loves Public Schools
Nebraska Writers Collective
Omaha Children’s Museum
RDG Architects
Silicon Prairie News (SPN)
Spark Wheel Press
Spielbound
University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization
UNO Early Childhood Education Department
University of Nebraska Omaha – Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM)
VisionMaker Media - UNO Native American Film Festival, VisionMaker Media Film Festival
KANEKO
PARTNERS
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DONORS1,000,000+
Anonymous
Karen and Robert Duncan
Holland Family Foundation
Richard Holland
Ree and Jun Kaneko
Marilyn and Carl Mammel
$500,000—999,999
Karen and James Linder, M.D.
Ichiro Okada
Omaha Community Foundation
Polina and Bob Schlott
$250,000—499,999
Susan and Michael Dell
Peter Kiewit Foundation
Sheila and Michael Rips
Weitz Family Foundation
$100,000— 249,999
Anonymous
Robert B. Daugherty Foundation
Henry A. Davis
Douglas County
First National Bank of Omaha
Gerry and Bruce Lauritzen
Kathy and Marc LeBaron
Nebraska Arts Council
Anne and John P. Nelson
Sherwood Foundation
Gail and Mike Yanney
$50,000—99,999
Alan and Marcia Baer Family Charitable Trust
Bentley Gallery, Inc.
Clark Creative Group
Distribution Fund
Dorothy B. Davis Family Foundation
Sandie Eskin
Eskin Family Foundation
Linda Esterling and Steve Wake
Gallery Kasahara
Gebert Contemporary
Ursula M. and Stephen J. Gebert
Lincoln Community Foundation
Daryl Lillie and John Lillie
Nicolaysen Art Museum
Omaha World Herald
Kathy and Troy Perry
Eve and Fred Simon
Vrana Construction
Wake Charitable Foundation
$25,000—49,999
Leisa and David Austin
Sandy Besser
Susie Buffett
Bullseye Glass Company
Elaine and Sidney Cohen
The Contemporary Museum
Barbara and Eric Dobkin
Dobkin Family Foundation
Elaine Baker Gallery
Frank Hayes
Gail Severn Gallery
Humanities Nebraska
Imago Galleries
Iowa West Foundation
Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
Vicki and David Krecek
Elaine and Earl Liff
Nebraska Community Foundation
Sharee and Murray Newman
Omaha Hotel Corporation
Brian Pelowski
Justin Perri
Deb Peterson
Patricia and Earl Scudder
SilverStone Group
Kippy Boulton Stroud
Warren Distribution
Woods Charitable Fund
Donna Woods and Jon Hinrichs
Kristae and Peter Zandbergen
Thank you to our generous supporters
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$10,000—24,999
Acklie Charitable Foundation
John and Kelly Balistreri
Rkachea and Bruce Carpenter
ConAgra Foods (Research, Quality and Innovation)
Alice Corning and Richard Massey
Elaine Baker Gallery
Carol Gendler
Gerald Peters Gallery
Carmen and John Gottschalk
Jan E. Hailey
Sidonie Haines
HDR
ilumin
Larry A. Jobeun
Locks Gallery
Patricia and John MacDonald
Nancy and Michael McCarthy
Nana Smith and J.B. Milliken
Mission Clay Products
Montessori Co-op School
Sandy and Jeffrey A. Passer, M.D.
Perry V. Haines Foundation
Peggy Reinecke and Dean Arkfeld
Sherry Leedy Gallery
Betiana and Todd Simon
Annette and Paul Smith
Lisa and Thomas Smith
Smith Kramer Fine Art Services
Shirley and Michael Sorrell
Ann and Gene Spence
Therman Statom
University of Iowa
University of Nebraska Foundation
University of Wyoming
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Dawn and Carl Von Bernuth
Kate and Roger Weitz
$5,000—9,999
Dayton Visual Arts Center
Marilyn and Terry Diamond
Melissa and Patrick J. Duffy
Ayman El-Mohandes, MBBCh, MD, MPH
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
FVB Foundation, Inc.
Howard Farber
Claire M. Hubbard Foundation
Maureen and Richard Hunt
International Sculpture Center
Jewish Community Foundation (California)
Angie and Dan Muhleisen
Fredrick P. Ogren
Paypal, Inc.
RDO Truck Center
Jane and Ky Rohman
Georgina and Thomas Russo
Laura Russo Gallery
Betty and Jack Schafer
Laura and Greg Schnackel
Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation
Turkey and Peter Stremmel
Dr. Peter Suzuki
Monté and Duane Thompson
Ted Townsend
Union Pacific Corporation
Dorothy and Fred Weiss
Lyn and C. Thomas White
William Traver Gallery
$2,500—4,999
Lela Autio
Cindy and Mogens C. Bay
Bruce Frasier Architects
Jan Buckingham and Lauren Ronald
Chabad-Lubavich of Nebraska
Alice Corning and Richard Massey
Dicobe Tapes, Inc.
Peter Durst
Shehzad Hasan
Helen and Richard Kelley
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Maurine Littleton
Locks Gallery
Royce Maynard
McCarthy Capital Corporation
Morgan Stanley
Nancy and Steven Oliver
Jeanne and Bill Penry
Louis G. Pol
Rena Bransten Gallery
Susan Schonlau
Troia Schonlau
Sue and Steve Seline
The Springcreek Foundation
Union Bank and Trust
University of Nebraska – Omaha
Lou Ann and Del Weber
Diane Wilsey
Mary and John Wilson
Anita and Ron Wornick
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FRIENDS MEMBERSS.K. and George H. Krauss
Sharee and Murray Newman
Sandra and Howard Friedman
Harriet A. Otis
Ann Benson and Dean Suing
Bev and Doug Westerberg
Bruce Fraiser and Richard Nielsen
Christine and Mauro Fiore
Gail and Irving Veitzer
Gail and Mike Yanney
Helen and Richard Kelley
John and Linda Rebrovic
LeWonderment, Inc.
Lourdes Secola
Sandi and Bill Bruns
Susan and Stewart Smoler
Gerry Sullivan and Bob Benzel
Jan Otter
Joanie and Mark Kraft
Shirley and Michael Sorrell
Suzanne and Rudy Kotula, M.D.
Joanna Gale
John J. Jelinek
Eunie and Norm Denenberg
Jeff and Candace Alvestad
Carey and Brian Hamilton
Meredith Fuller and James Luyten
Jay Rich and Doug Boyd
Betiana and Todd Simon
Monté and Duane Thompson
Steve Wake
Sheila Christ and Fred Vakili
Sue Pridemore
Joan Squires and Thomas Fay
Susy Westerholm
CREATIVE CIRCLE MEMBERS Cindy and Mogens C. Bay
Dan and Esther Brabec
Annette and Paul Smith
TRUSTEESKristae and Peter Zandbergen
Joe Ducharme and Steve Stenglein
Ayman El-Mohandes
Barb and Wally Weitz
Richard Holland
George Neubert
Nana Smith, JD
Dr. Michael Sorrell
Gail and Michael Yanney
Del Weber
SPONSORS Thanks to our corporate partners for their ongoing support:
First National Bank
SilverStone Group
PARTNERS Thanks to the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment for providing operating support, and the Peter Kiewit Foundation, Daugherty Foundation, Sherwood Foundation and Humanities Nebraska for supporting KANEKO programming.
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MEMBERSHIPS
In April 2015, KANEKO updated and expanded its membership program in order to emphasize community involvement and expand its support base. Not only do KANEKO members enjoy many benefits, but they make a positive impact on the community. Due to the rapid increase in KANEKO membership, KANEKO is able to provide educational programming, create ambitious nationally-noted exhibitions, and feature one of a kind speakers. Our members bring vitality to Omaha’s creative community through their participation in ongoing KANEKO programs that transform tradition through innovation. They recognize the importance of creativity and its application in daily life, while being an essential part of KANEKO.
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Among the many approaches to creativity celebrated by KANEKO are the pathways explored by Jun Kaneko himself. Over the course of 50 years spent working in both his native Japan and the United States, Jun has used clay and other materials as a doorway into the very nature of objects, attempting to understand how they occupy space in our world, how they relate to one another and how they help us experience our humanity in a meaningful way.
KANEKO was established in 1998 by Jun and his wife Ree, whose extensive experience with the Omaha arts community, nonprofit administration and collaboration have been an essential part of the organization’s development. KANEKO was imagined as an open space to explore and encourage the process of creativity, and how it impacts our lives.
Ree and Jun wanted to expose audiences to how creativity manifests itself across a whole range of human activity— art, science, philosophy, business, urban planning, education—to cultivate creativity in our citizens and invest in a creative society.
FOUNDATI
ON
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Creativity begins with an idea— seeing things differently. Our purpose is exploring the creative process— how an new idea is born into the arts, sciences and philosophy. There is no restriction for creative activity. Imagination has complete freedom.
MISSI
ON
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SUPPORTING AND
PROMOTING FREEDOM IN
CREATIVITY IS KANEKO’S
MISSION
PROGRAMMING
PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW, PROGRAM GROWTH, PRESS, & PARTNERS
Our goal during KANEKO’s initial programming period was to create dialogue, share creative concepts, and engage the community. The Great Minds lecture series, a forum for the world’s most advanced thinkers, began with the inaugural lecture presented by Wade Davis, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. Subsequent speakers included Sir Ken Robinson, celebrated scholar on creativity and education; Dr. Kathy Schick and Dr. Nicholas Toth, archeologists at the Leakey Foundation; Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author; and Sweeta Noori of Women for Women International. This high-caliber roster continued with Joan Acocello, acclaimed critic for The New Yorker magazine; Josh Cooley, Academy Award-winning animator of the celebrated animated films Up and Ratatouille; and singer, songwriter and author Rosanne Cash.
PORTALS, the collaborative contemporary project developed and realized by the Experimental Studio at KANEKO, was brought to audiences to witness the creation of exceptional art. A professional team made up of two musicians, a filmmaker, a poet and a dancer responded to a new work written especially for PORTALS by composer Phillip Glass. Violinist Timothy Fain and dancer/choreographer Benjamin Millepied performed Glass’s six-movement suite based on Leonard Cohen’s Book of Longing, which premiered in New York City, traveled back to Omaha where it was created and performed at KANEKO and then moved on to Los Angelels, and continues to tour throughout the U.S.
Just as the Experimental Studio encouraged freeform thinking at KANEKO, IDEA LAB is a programmatic umbrella that manifests the KANEKO concept in the community. IDEA LAB has built pivotal educational programs such as Seeing With New Eyes, a new way of teaching and learning for American Indian children and teens, which has been successfully adopted by the public school system.
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KANEKO 2015 EXPENSES
PROGRAM DELIVERY
Program Development 7.7%
Education/Outreach 22.5%
Exhibitions 31.4%
Non-Exhibit Program Expenses 11.7%
SUPPORTING SERVICES
Fundraising 12.2%
Administration 14.5%
FINANCIALS
Exhibitions31%
Administration 15%
Fundrasing 12%
Non-Exhibit Program Expenses
12%
Education / Outreach
23%
Program Development
8%
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ATTENDANCE BY SEASON
TRUCK-A-TECTURE (June 27—August 4, 2014) 4,800
DESIGN LEGENDS (September 20, 2014—January 3, 2015) 5,300
FIBER (February 6—April 25, 2015) 7,800
PLAY (May 30—August 16, 2015) 17,650
18,000
1,3500
9,000
4,500
0
TRUCK-A-TECTURE
4,800
DESIGN LEGENDS
5,300
FIBER
7,800
PLAY
17,650
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TRUCK-A-TECTUREKANEKO began the summer months with Truck-A-Tecture, which brought together four of the world’s leading mobile architecture firms for an original collaborative exhibition. KANEKO garnered copious amounts of local, regional, national, and international news coverage, including features in premium publications, including Dwell (US), designboom (US), summa + (Argentina and Spain), Fast Company (US), etc. Truck-A-Tecture strengthened the organization’s ties to Omaha’s architecture community, and KANEKO established a relationship that later helped develop new exhibitions and programs, such as PLAY and KANEKO’s Architecture Camps. Most importantly, Truck-A-Tecture provided a unique and educational experience to KANEKO’s Omaha audience and burgeoning architectural community.
“Truck-A-Tecture gets gears turning.”Lindsey Theis, KMTV NEWS
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KANEKO CAMPSEvery summer, KANEKO sparks creativity and innovation in Omaha’s aspiring youth through KANEKO Camps. In the summer of 2014, students participated in Architecture Design and Video Game Design and gained valuable software experience. For students considering a career in design, KANEKO Camps connected them with like-minded peers and thanks to the continued partnership of AIM Institute, design professionals from the Omaha-Metro. Architecture Camps exposed students to the architectural history of Omaha, while Video Game Design students learned about narrative and game theory. Out of the 60 youth who attended camps, 23 received scholarships to participate in this one-of-a-kind learning experience.
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“The camp really opened up our family’s eyes to the importance of architecture in our daily lives.”
John, KANEKO Member
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DESIGN LEGENDSOlson Kundig, Wallace Cunningham, and Cedric Hartman
The exhibitions of Olson Kundig, Wallace Cunningham, and Cedric Hartman connected three preeminent architectural/industrial design firms in the U.S. under KANEKO’s roof, drawing the national architectural conversation and focus to the Omaha community. This groundbreaking opportunity showcased the first Cedric Hartman public exhibition, highlighting a local legend through a retrospective of his illustrious career. As a result, KANEKO was featured in premium publications, including Architectural Digest & Dwell, further propelling the organization into the international conversation on contemporary architecture and design. Private fundraising events with leaders from each of the firms involved provided financial support for KANEKO. Overall, the exhibition provided a unique art and education experience for the Omaha and instigated conversation within the architectural community.
“Inspiring and empowering creative design!”Taylor, Exhibit Visitor
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OPEN SPACE SOIRÉEKANEKO hosted its first Open Space Soirée in September 2014.The event provided an opportunity to showcase the organization’s impact in the Omaha area, while gaining important financial support for KANEKO programming. Guests at KANEKO’s Open Space Soirée mingled with other constituents,KANEKO members, and staff and enjoyed delicious food and wonderful entertainment. Guests at the Open Space Soirée were the first to see Design Legends, KANEKO’s Fall 2014 exhibition featuring three of the most important architectural/industrial design figures in the United States.
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“KANEKO Soirée is a finalist for Metro Magazine’s Best Event 2015”Metro Magazine
R E D E F I N I N G T H E L I T E R A R Y R E A D I N G
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FEEDBACKfeedback is a two-part, ongoing series that supports and engages Omaha’s active literary scene and connects writers with authors. Last year’s feedback readers challenged the typical format of literary readings by inviting the audience into their creative process. Following the readings, featured writers led hands-on writing workshops, which pushed the audience to develop individual work. KANEKO’s feedback program explored the balance between writers and their audience and expanded the definition of creative process in literary art in Nebraska.
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“I love feedback. The readings and workshops always bring something fresh to the table.”
feedback Workshop Participant
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KANEKO-UNO LIBRARY PARTNERSHIPKANEKO’s ongoing partnership with the KANEKO-UNO library expands its impact in the Omaha area through increasing and diversifying visitors. Use of the KANEKO-UNO library is a benefit of KANEKO membership and cross-programming opportunities provide Omaha’s population with additional creative experiences. Collaboration with the library provides an intersection with the college and youth population of Omaha.
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“The corridors of libraries have fostered creativity since antiquity. KANEKO is continuing and expanding upon the tradition in new and exciting ways and fearlessly embraces bold, inclusive topics.”Dave Richards, Dean of UNO Library Services
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FIBERIn February 2015, KANEKO’s FIBER exhibit demonstrated the ways in which textiles and fiber art serve as a canvas for multicultural expression and the creative process. With record attendance on opening day, FIBER’s visitors reached a diverse audience from local to global. Through the exhibition, KANEKO received an increased amount of local, national, and international press coverage. The exhibition displayed a wide representation of textile traditions and brought the work of Nick Cave, Jon Eric Riis, and Sheila Hicks to audiences in Omaha.
“Amazing – on so many levels.”Nancy, Exhibit Visitor
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GREAT MINDSKANEKO programming is dedicated to exploring the creative process across diverse fields in the sciences, arts, and business. KANEKO’s Great Minds Series, welcomes compelling leaders to Omaha who provide insight into the creative process. Great Minds Speaker, Dr. Stuart Brown demonstrated the connection between play, creativity, and wellness and added context to KANEKO’s blockbuster exhibition, PLAY. This ongoing series encourages the audience to tap into, develop, and sustain their own creativity by offering real life examples of creativity in action.
“Awesome talk, big energy.” Matt, Lecture Attendee
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CREATIVE CATALYSTSCreative Catalysts is a community based program that connects select metro-area students with local artists. This ongoing series brings established artists of different mediums and backgrounds to teach and explore art, design, and creativity in the KANEKO gallery space.
The program is offered free to the students and the collaborative output becomes an installation in the collaborative exhibition.
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“KANEKO’s Creative Catalyst program provided Youth Earn-a-Bike graduates from the Community Bike Project Omaha a fantastic opportunity to explore their creativity through bikes and discover the artistry of everyday objects.”
Charles Mitchell, Program Director, Community Bike Project
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PLAYPLAY, KANEKO’s Summer 2015 exhibition, provided a dynamic environment of exploration for children and families, while encouraging adults of all ages to explore playful creativity. The response to PLAY was tremendous and produced an enormous social media response, new connections with several community and educational organizations, and brought new audience members to KANEKO.
The collaborative PLAY exhibition at KANEKO was awarded a Gold Design Award for Environment and Experience at the 2015 AIGA Nebraska Show.
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“It’s an understate-ment to say my kids loved it.”Kim Reiner, ohmyomaha.com
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EKO NOVA KANEKO is collaborating with the Omaha Chamber Music Society on an exciting new music performance series entitled Eko Nova.
Eko Nova introduces Omaha audiences to some of the most innovative and inspiring musical works written today – music that looks outward with an openness to a myriad of genres, styles, and forms. With virtuosic performances from the region’s finest musicians, plus guest appearances by extraordinary artists from around the country, these events appeal to a diverse crowd, from lovers of contemporary art, to classical music fans and beyond.
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“The type of music being offered is provocative and refreshing.”Eko Nova Performance Attendee